Hi everyone,
Still all locked up at the moment. Still no end to this in sight, but I'm doing some online review with my classes now, so at least I have work to do.
This story is now the longest Mighty Ducks Fanfiction on this site.
TFG
Chapter Twenty-Six
By the time the exams were over it felt like the entire campus had gone into a huge celebration. When Wildwing and Canard finished their last exam both came running into the cafe in such joy. Wildwing had wrapped Ella up in a swift kiss that everyone cheered again.
"I wish they would stop doing that, it's not that miraculous that we started dating," Wildwing complained, his beak red with a blush of embarrassment.
"Really, cause I remember the pool that went around whether or not you would grow a pair and ask her out. I think you're going to be dealing with this for a while!" Canard answered through his own snickers of amusement.
It was Wildwing's sputtered annoyance that amused Canard so much that he fell out of his chair, which caused another burst of laughter from the cafe. All in all, the atmosphere was a lot jollier than it had been over the last month.
There were many parties to attend, but unfortunately for Wildwing and Canard, they had one more game to prepare for. Their coach had given them all a break during the weeks proceeding the exam to allow them to maintain their high grades that were needed to stay on the team. Now though, they had nothing but free time as classes were finished for the first years.
It was going to be the last game of the entire year, as most of the selections had already been made for the main team. There were a few open places still left, though we're few thought they were going to be given to the first years.
The coaches ran them all hard during those days. As if to make up for all the time that the students had been away from the ice. And, all the coaches from the other teams were present too, so they could run their own drills. The coaches had probably gotten bored while their players were too busy with academia.
"Fuck! They're insane! They're going to kill us! I thought the professors were trying to kill us, but these guys are actually trying to kill us!" complained Canard one evening as he grabbed another beer from Ella's fridge.
"I've never had so many bruises on my body, I feel like I was just lined up in front of a firing squad," Wildwing said, wincing as Ella rubbed some salve onto her boyfriend.
"You look like you've been in front of a firing squad," Ella replied, trying not to laugh. Though it was hard.
Thanks to Wildwing's light colouring you could see every bruise on his body. It looked like all the skin on his chest, legs and arms was purple. Which gave him a slight lilac sheen. Luckily, he had not been hit in the face, only a slight clip on the beak.
Ella continued to rub the salve, which was a recipe she had perfected as a child to help with the welts from her own training. Though, she didn't tell Wildwing that. He didn't really need any more rubbed on him, but Ella was finding a lot of enjoyment in touching her boyfriend's body.
And, it seemed Wildwing was enjoying it too, if the sighs of pleasure that he had started to emit was anything to go by. Ella could see his eyes closing in pleasure and feel his hands starting to move over her legs.
"Um, do you two want me to leave?" Canard asked, bringing the two lovers out of their own little world.
Despite what everyone had said, and how often Wildwing stayed the night, the two had not gone any further than they had a few months ago. Though, both of them wanted to, they were just too shy to express what they wanted and Wildwing was too noble to push Ella to do anything.
"Sorry, Ella, we better get going," Wildwing said with a deep sigh. Grabbing his jersey, Wildwing stood up and gave Ella a small caress on the beak.
It did shock Canard momentarily, as he was sure that Wildwing would be staying the night, but he knew that they were required to be up early. So he grabbed his bags as well, and gave his friend a private moment to say goodbye to his girlfriend.
On the way back to their shared room he did berate Wildwing for not staying. Assuring him that he really wasn't that offended and could have left easily to give them some privacy. Until Wildwing admitted that they hadn't gone much farther than touching each other.
"Are you kidding me! You guys are so, so, ridiculous! You've been together for so long, and you haven't even gotten your cock wet! What are you waiting for?" Canard exclaimed causing several other students to stop and stare.
"We're taking our time," Wildwing explained quietly, trying to shush his loud friend.
"The northern Glaciers move faster than you two. Look, I know you two really do love each other, but, you're going to be apart for the next three months, surely you want to get a little closer before then?"
"Of course I do, but it's a little complicated," Wildwing said before explaining, as vaguely as he could, that some bad things had happened in Ella's past and he didn't want to push her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know. Shit, she's had a shit life so far, hasn't she? But, that doesn't mean that she doesn't want it. I saw the way she was looking at you. I wish I had someone to look at me the way she looks at you. Have you talked to her about it?" Canard asked, once they had settled into their room for the night.
"I, um, don't know how to, if I'm honest."
"Well, in a few days we'll have the end of year dance, which she's going to? Are you going to finally do something before you leave?"
"We might, I just, want it to be perfect, you know, romantic."
"Don't think I can help you with that? I've never really had the romantic type of sex," Canard answered plainly. Which was true, he had only had a few flings that lasted a few months. And the few that he had had sex with had not been that close, he just merely felt like having sex. After what had happened to Wildwing he didn't particularly feel like getting into that serious of a relationship.
With that last statement, Canard turned over and went to sleep, leaving Wildwing with his thoughts. He had been thinking about Ella almost nonstop over the last few weeks. He was not looking forward to leaving Bardon in the next week. He wanted to stay with Ella for the summer, but had already accepted a job as a camp counsellor. His coach had arranged it for some of the players a few months ago.
Besides, he was being kicked out of his accommodation at the end of the term and he didn't think Ella would be like to live together yet. His mother would probably also kill him if he didn't go home for at least part of the summer.
He had managed to convince his mother, and Ella, to let her visit during the summer. He was going to have some time off from the camp so he could spend some time with everyone during his summer break. He didn't think he could leave his brother alone and out of school for three months straight without there being considerable property damage.
He wanted to take the next step in his relationship before this happened though. He wanted to leave with this sweet memory of making love, not having sex, with the girl he loved. And he wanted it to be perfect for Ella. Which is why he was planning to do it after the dance.
It seemed romantic enough, most rom-coms that he had been forced to watch over the years always had something like that. He wanted there to be candles and flowers, but figured that it was probably a bit too difficult, as it wasn't going to be in his dorm room. He definitely wasn't going to make love to Ella in his dorm room, on his twin bed. That wasn't romantic in the least. Ella was most comfortable in her own apartment, so that's where he will make love to her, if she let's him.
As Wildwing had gone to sleep thinking about making love to Ella, he of course dreamed of making love to Ella. It was rather awkward waking up with morning wood, and even more awkward when Canard told him that he heard him moaning in his sleep.
On the other side of the campus, Ella had gone to bed thinking about Wildwing. And had also dreamt about it. Luckily for her, she lived alone and had no one to make fun of her when she was woken up with dreams of him.
She then recounted these dreams the next day to both Zina and Amy, who giggled like school girls. Ella had been speaking more to her friends about what she was feeling, and she was enjoying it. It was nice to talk to other girls as if she was just another girl.
For most of her life she had only spoken to either subordinates or colleagues who were a lot older than her and never about personal things. Then, during her time in the detention centre she had only spoken to one guard and her cell mate, or her parole officer when she left Allenview.
"So, how good is his body? Did you get a feel of his, you know, stick?" Zina asked playfully as she steamed the mugs for cleaning.
The blush that spread over Ella's beak seemed to be all the answer that was needed. The other girls laughed loudly, causing Ella to blush even deeper. Especially when they asked her if he did, indeed, have a goalies' stick.
"Okay, serious talk, what are you going to wear to the dance? Or, more importantly, under it?" Amy asked with a wiggle of her brows. Amy knew that Ella and Wildwing had yet to fall into bed together, despite the growing sexual tension between them, and was sure that they would be completing the act after the dance in a few days.
"I'm not really sure, I don't think I can afford some of the dresses that I've seen on sale or even in the second hand shop. Don't really know what to do," Ella replied, a little saddened that she wouldn't get to have the princess transformation that she always saw in the movies.
It was moments like these that had a habit of silencing Ella's friends. They were both from well-off families, and were working purely for a little bit of spending money. Whereas Ella was working to support herself in all manners of life and therefore didn't have much spare money.
She had been persuaded to buy a few more items of clothing, from second hand or charity stores, but she refused to spend money that she didn't have one something that she didn't actually need. She had explained to both Zina and Amy that she was saving now to take both her high school equivalent exam, and then to take night classes at the local college. And, since most of the population of Bardon were students, she was going to notice a severe drop in tips soon.
It was only when she got home that afternoon did she finally come up with a solution to her problem. Waiting for her was a letter that was sent from Miltaka Female Prison. It was from her old cell mate from Allenview, who had been transferred to Miltaka a few months ago to finish her sentence for selling drugs as her high school.
Ella had kept up a correspondence with Tia by mail. She had wanted to visit her, but she had no means to get there and come back, plus she was slightly restricted in where she could go. And, when she finally had the means and permission to travel, Tia had begun her transfer to the adult prison. Her last letter told Ella to not visit her until she got settled, as she would need to apply for Ella to be a visitor.
In the letter was the application for a visitors pass to Miltaka, as well as all of Tia's details. She then began to tell Ella all about her new cell mate and the prison, as well as the detail that she had been assigned to. She had managed to get transferred straight to minimum security, and had been accepted on an apprenticeship, with recommendations both from her grandmother and Guard Danders. She had begun training as a seamstress and would work in one of the programmes that had been outsourced to the prison.
Once she read that, Ella could have kicked herself. She had entirely forgotten that Tia's family lived in Bardon and they had a dressmakers' store. She didn't know the exact address, but Tia had written the phone number to the prison and the extension for her wing.
It took longer than she had hoped to finally get patched through to the correct wing. The guard who answered then went through all the rules and regulations of phone calls between prisoners and how long she would have once Tia picked up. And then she had to wait for Tia to be available and authorised to take the call. Ella didn't want to think of what her phone bill would be like that month.
"Hello, this is Tia Merganser," came the voice of Ella's first friend, and she could have almost burst into tears hearing it.
"Hey Tia, how are you?"
"Ella? By the god and goddess, I can't believe it's you! I guess I'm doing well, well, as well as can be expected. Only got six months until my parole hearing, which is better than I could have hoped for, but the days here are so much longer and harder than in Allenview. But, that's to be expected. What I really want to know about is you and that boy your with! I've put those photos up that you sent me, he's so handsome. Everyone's been asking about you two. I've told them all your my sister and that you got paroled and are making a real life for yourself, gave everyone hope."
Tia almost said all of that without taking a single breath. It could have made Ella laugh out loud, she missed having her friend to talk to every day. And she could have listened to Tia talk all day, but they only had a ten minute call.
"That's great, I'm so glad that I could become icon of hope for your cell mates. And Wildwing is, he's great. He's so patient and kind..."
"And smoking hot."
"And good looking. Um, that's actually why I called. He's invited me to this, um ball thing and it's formalwear. Which I don't have. I was hoping that I could get the address of your grandma's shop, if that's okay?"
She was nervous asking Tia a favour, although she knew that she should have been. They had been through a lot together and Tia would never refuse a simple favour to Ella. She was also thankful that Tia, who knew her whole history, didn't just tell her to ask her brother for money or to use her name to acquire some new designer clothes.
After Tia gave Ella the address and name to her grandma's store the two caught up with each other as briefly as they could. It had only been a few months since their last correspondence, but it felt like a lifetime. They both laughed a lot with Ella promising to visit during the summer, and to bring new books. Tia had developed her love of books during their time together.
When Ella hung up the phone she decided to make her way to Tia's grandma's shop, since she had the afternoon off. It didn't take long to get across town, as the summer had melted all the snow on the roads and the store was in the city centre, near the transport hubs.
It was a nice looking store, if a little small. There was a bright blue sign and awning, with mannequins covered artfully in long drapes of fabric. The sign declared that it was 'Merganser's Sewing Machine' in curly gold letters.
Stepping in, there was a little jingle above the door which attracted the attention of an old hen behind the counter. She looked kindly, with dark colouring and very light purple mane. Ella could instantly tell that this was Tia's grandma, Mrs Mera Merganser. It also helped that Tia had kept lots of photos of her aunt and grandma around their cell.
"Hi, Mrs Merganser, I'm Ella, Tia's cell mate from Allenview," Ella said holding out her hand for the older duck to shake.
The older duck instantly brightened up on hearing who she was. Ella knew that Tia had spoken of her often to her family, and had tried to get them to visit her as well, just so she would have someone to visit. Ella had declined, as she didn't want to take time away from Tia's visits.
It took several offers of dinner, tea and cakes before Mrs Merganser gave Ella enough time to make her request. The older duck was almost ecstatic to be able to do something for one of Tia's friends and instantly began measuring her, before Ella could even swallow the mouthful of tea she had just taken.
The older duck than began to pull out spools materials from the shelves around her store, each looking more expensive than the last. Ella did try to explain that she didn't have enough money to pay for some of those materials, she had managed to glimpse the prices before Mrs Merganser pulled them down.
"Nonsense dear, any friend of Tia's gets the family price. You'll just pay cost!"
"I don't think I have enough money to even pay cost," Ella shyly stated.
"Then, how about we find a cheaper material and you can pay in, let's say, six instalments? Tia told me you were a good friend, and that you've kept in contact with her since you've gotten out. I would hate not to be able to help you."
Ella could only nod, as those were the fairest terms she could hope to get from anywhere. And she really did need a dress and soon. She also didn't think that Mrs Merganser would accept her protests. She would probably just make her a dress anyway and give it to her as a gift if she refused to accept the payment terms.
Between the two of them, they chose a lovely jade green satin. And, as they didn't have that much time before the dress needed to be worn, they chose a simple halter necked, tea length design. Something that was simple, but elegant and would suit Ella's figure and bring out the colour of her eyes.
Since it was a simple design, Mrs Merganser told Ella that she should pick it up tomorrow afternoon. It would be a tight schedule, but Ella should have enough time after finishing work and before going to Wildwing's final game to come and pick up the dress.
The next day saw Ella running late. She had had to pick up an extra shift at work, as a few of the waitresses quit without notice. It was to be expected, as they were all girls who would be graduating that year and they saw no use in getting a good reference when they were about to apply for their 'real' jobs. This meant that Ella didn't have much time to go to the store to pick up her dress and even less time to make it to the game that evening.
When she arrived at the store she was held back further, as Mrs Merganser demanded that Ella try on the dress before leaving. And, once it was on, it needed a few more stitches to make it sit perfectly. All the while, Ella was looking at her watch and not looking in the mirror. She was starting to get anxious as she doubted she could make it back across the city before the puck dropped.
After Mrs Merganser put in the final stitch she told Ella to turn around and she if she liked the result. Ella was about to say that it was fine when she finally looked up and saw herself in the mirror.
In all the time she had been out of the detention centre, she had never figured out what Wildwing could possibly see in her. She had always felt awkward in her own skin, having never gotten used to it. But looking upon herself in her simple halter neck satin dress she finally saw herself for who she was and who she hoped to be.
The dress fit like a glove, and though she was still wearing her thick socks and boots, she felt like she was a princess. Even when she was wearing expensive designer clothes during her youth she never felt as good as she did right now.
"So, how do you like it?"
"It's absolutely perfect, thank you."
Giving the young duck a kind smile, Mrs Merganser then demanded that they take a photo together, so that she could show Tia. She also wouldn't let Ella leave until she promised to send a photo of herself all dressed up with her 'smoking hot' drake.
Ella laughed and consented to all photos and the promise of future photos. She then quickly changed her clothes, and accepted the wrapped package that Mrs Merganser gave her before running out the store and to the subway. It would be the quickest way to get back across town, and she wouldn't even have time to drop her things or change out of her uniform.
By the time she got to the stadium and found her seat the puck had already dropped and the first year team was already up by two points. She sat down next to Dip, who Wildwing had given his other ticket to. Next to them were Zina and Amy, who had Canards' tickets. It seemed that no one from Central could come through for the final game.
It was a great pity, as the game was thoroughly exciting, with the team dominating the opposition for the entire match. The extra training sessions had paid off and they ended winning six to one. At the end of the match, both Wildwing and Canard were named alternatives in the main team a long with one of the other players. With Canard being named captain of the second year team.
The celebration that night couldn't last very long, as there were still some exams in the morning and all the areas of residence had a strict curfew upon them. But, as the end of year Ball was the next night no one really minded.
Plus, all the players were utterly exhausted. It took all of Wildwing's remaining energy to walk Ella back to her apartment. And though he swore he was going to sleep in his own bed that evening, as soon as they walked into her apartment he fell asleep on the sofa.
"Hey, Wing, time for bed," Ella said sweetly as she pulled her almost sleeping boyfriend up. She had to guide him to her bed and as soon as he touched the mattress he was back asleep.
It was Ella who woke up first the next morning as she had to get to an early shift. She did leave a note saying that Wildwing and Canard should come to her apartment around six that evening for pre-drinks. She had even bought a few bottles of wine and beer for them to enjoy. And that Amy would be joining them at her apartment as well.
When Wildwing woke up that morning he was saddened that he didn't get a chance to see Ella, as he needed to pack his room up today. He wouldn't get a chance to see her until that evening, as there was a lot to do. They would need to be out of the dorms in three days, and Wildwing's mother had called to tell him that Cal would be there to pick up both boys a little earlier than that.
So, both Canard and Wildwing cleaned and organised their room. This would hopefully be the last year that they needed to share a room, as they would both be residency advisors next year. This meant that they would have their own room but would need to keep office hours.
Around five o'clock both gave up on cleaning and began to get ready for the dance. They both dressed in their smartest suits, which Cal had bought them before they left for university. He insisted that they would need to have something nice to wear for formal events. So far, they had each worn their suits only three times.
"I feel like an idiot in this thing!" Wildwing complained, still not used to tying a tie.
"But you look very handsome," Canard answered in a voice that was obviously meant to mimic Magda, making Wildwing roll his eyes.
It was only five thirty, but they decided to head over to Ella's anyway. They had both been present when she had to get ready for an emergency shift and she didn't seem to mind. So, they made their way out of the accommodation block and across to Ella's apartment. On the way Wildwing bought a small bouquet of flowers, as he felt he couldn't show up empty handed.
When they knocked on the door it was Amy who answered, already dressed and holding a glass of wine. She was wearing a long, light pink gown with a sweetheart neckline with an embroidered top. Her mane was up in a simple chignon, with very minimal make-up. It gave her a very elegant look, which Canard greatly appreciated.
Amy handed out drinks to both the boys, flirting with Canard as she did, and explained that Ella wasn't ready yet. She, apparently, had finished work at four and Zina and Amy had tagged along to help her get ready. Both had brought their clothes with them to get ready with her.
"It's so sweet, this is her first formal and she's really making an effort for you, Wing," Amy said with a sweet smile. She put on the TV for the boys and then went back into Ella's room to continue to help.
"I wonder what they're doing in there?" Canard asked after waiting for thirty minutes.
They were supposed to arrive at the venue for seven, which would be the cocktail hour. Then dinner would be open at eight. It was supposed to be a really good buffet as it was meant to cater for hundreds of students. And, from what everyone had told them, they should be on time as the buffet finishes early.
Just when Wildwing's nerves were getting the best of him, the door to Ella's room finally opened and revealed the most beautiful duck he had ever seen in his life. The dress she wore was so beautiful and fitted her like a second skin. Her mane was only half up, with a few twists keeping it back, but allowing it to fall around her shoulders. Her make-up was very light and only brought out her natural beauty instead of distracting from it.
"Wow," was all Wildwing managed to say, his shoulders slumping in awe.
"That good?" Ella asked nervously, her silver shoed feet twitching with nerves.
Instead of an answer he just walked right up to her and took hold her hands, bringing one of his up to gently stroke back some of her mane. Wildwing took one of the flowers, a lily, out of the bouquet and pinned it into one of the twists. The white of the petals matching the string of pearls, which were the only accessories Ella wore.
It was a magical moment, where they stared lovingly into each others eyes and were lost to everything around them. It was ruined though by the flash of a camera.
"Sorry," said Zina, "but you two looked so cute I just had to document it."
Zina had gone for the classic black lace dress. This was her third end of year ball, and she would be meeting up with several of her third year friends later that evening. They were going to have dinner together instead of fighting for the buffet, but she had recommended that they should go to the buffet as it's their first one.
They shared a few drinks before they left Ella's apartment. Each making a few toasts as they finished off the wine. As well as posing for a few more pictures, Zina had volunteered to be the photographer for the evening so that they could get some nice group photos. She also took many candid photos, especially of Ella and Wildwing since they were being ridiculously cute.
Soon enough, the five left Ella's apartment. The venue was only a ten minute walk away in the main quad. It would have a large marquee as well as a seating area and outdoor heating. They had all sneaked a look during the week when it was being erected.
Zina had left them at the point, promising to meet up with them later in the evening. So, the four continued on, into the entrance. They showed their tickets and were directed to their seating area, as they tried to organise the seating areas by academic year since there were so many people coming.
The ball was actually quite fun and well organised. There were different games to play, as well as different bands playing different types of music around the quad. There were several bars, each with their own specials and the food was wonderful, when the buffet finally opened.
They took lots of photos, both themselves and with the official photographer. They had plenty of drinks, with several of the players from the other teams coming up to congratulate Wildwing and Canard on their appointments to the main team.
Those players also asked if they could cut in and dance with Ella, but she refused. She had wanted nothing more than to dance with Wildwing all night and that was their plan. They did dance as a group several times, but she was always in contact with her boyfriend.
"You look really beautiful tonight," Wildwing said near the end of the night.
"You've told me that several times already," Ella said with a coy smile, enjoying her boyfriend's arm around her shoulders.
"And it's still true. Don't really know what I've done to deserve you."
"Being you, that's all," Ella said with a smile, leaning in the nuzzle him.
Eventually the night drew to a close, with a final dance and several people saying a goodbye to each other. Some people would not be seeing each other in several months, and it made Ella realise that she would be one of those people.
It saddened her greatly that she would not be able to see several of these ducks for three months, as she would be staying in Bardon to work while they would all go home. Or, like Wildwing and Canard, they would be working in summer camps, and Amy would be travelling the southern islands with her family.
The group said a final goodbye to each other at the main entrance to the marquee. Wildwing would be coming back to Ella's apartment, and she suspected that Amy would be going to Canard's room tonight based on how they were acting together. It seemed that Amy and Canard would be having one of those on again off again relationships that were really annoying.
When the got back to Ella's apartment, she immediately took off her silver heels. They were the only nice shoes she owned, and though they were really comfortable and had a thicker heel, she had still been dancing in them all night.
Turning around, she saw her boyfriend was watching her very intensely as she rubbed her sore feet. She could see that his eyes had darkened with desire, he almost looked like he was in a trance. He only snapped out of it momentarily to close and lock the door behind him.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Ella reached up behind her neck and untied the top of her dress. The green satin pooled around her feet leaving her in just her black satin panties and pearls. Whereas Wildwing was fully dressed and looked like he was about to spontaneously combust in front of her.
"Ella, are you sure?"
Instead of answering with words, she walked over and started to remove his jacket and shirt. It took a few seconds before Wildwing's brain caught up with the situation and he started to kick off his shoes. All the while he was caressing Ella's beak with his, since his hands were too busy trying to undo his pants.
"Should we, um, go to the bedroom instead of standing by the door?" Ella asked, suddenly nervous about standing nearly naked in her living room.
"Sure," Wildwing answered, picking Ella up in his arms and carrying her towards her bedroom. This caused a shriek of surprise from Ella, followed by uncontrolled giggles from both of them.
Once in the room, he place Ella gently down on the bed, before following her down onto the soft mattress. The lights were out in the room, but as the curtains were open allowing both streetlights and the light from the moon to illuminate the room.
"I love you," Wildwing said softly as he stroked her hair, looking deeply into her green eyes.
"I love you too," Ella replied, her hands tracing over Wildwing's broad shoulders.
It was only a moment before they were completely naked before each other, just enjoying the slow caresses and intimacy. There didn't seem to be a rush, as they had taken a long time to get here and they didn't want to ruin all they'd built up.
When Ella reached across to her bedside drawer to bring out a condom was when they started to get a lot more physical. Yet they still didn't rush. They were making love rather than just having sex, and it felt magical. They were constantly touching, saying how much they meant to each other.
Even when they at last, lay spent and tangled up in the sheets, they still held each other close.
Crystal-wolf-guardian-967: thanks again
Rocky704: thanks
gwencarson126: you'll have to keep going to see!
TFG
